I’m writing this column on 12-12-12, with lots of love and gratitude to everyone who has helped PRRT thrive this year.

We’ve hosted wonderful monthly meetings where members and guests can escape briefly from their desks to schmooze with colleagues and hear from fascinating speakers. Along the way, we’ve awarded scholarships to five talented students who will contribute their skill and dedication to our profession, enjoyed a five percent growth in membership, improved member services by simplifying registration and introducing credit card payments, announced job opportunities in this newsletter, launched an attractive new website, and learned a great deal from each other. Thank you all!

Special thanks and congratulations to Diane Fraser and the Holiday Party Committee and to Whitney Greer, Hatti Hamlin and the Silent Auction Committee for organizing a spectacular end-of-the-year celebration and raising more than $7,000 for our scholarship program!

If you weren’t able to attend the Holiday Party and would like to contribute to the Philip N. McCombs Scholarship Fund, it’s not too late! You can still support scholarships for worthy PR students in 2013 by sending a check payable to SF Public Relations earmarked for the scholarship program to our new treasurer: Deborah Charlesworth, 3416 Broderick Street, San Francisco, CA 94123. Thank you!

I’ve had fun this year, and I thank you all for giving me the opportunity and privilege to have followed in some giant footsteps as chair of this venerable organization! I know 2013 will be terrific under the leadership of Blodwen Tarter (left, receiving chair’s gavel), assisted by our dedicated board and officers. Please help them by volunteering for committee service-your support keeps us vibrant and vital!

I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on January 22 featuring award-winning author and coach of CEOs Virgil Scudder. Until then, best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a healthy, happy, rewarding New Year!